New York Lawmakers Propose Banning Anonymous Facebook Ads

FILE- In this May 9, 2016, file photo, Democratic state Sen. Todd Kaminsky speaks during a news conference at the state Capitol in Albany, N.Y. New York would require political ads on Facebook or other social media platforms to contain the names of the people or groups paying for them under legislation proposed Tuesday, Oct. 3, 2017, amid growing scrutiny of the influence such ads had on the 2016 presidential election. Kaminsky, of Long Island, said his proposal would discourage false or misleading ads while informing citizens about those trying to influence their votes (AP Photo/Mike Groll, File)

Albany, NY (WSKG) – Some Democratic lawmakers are pushing for a measure that would make anonymous political ads on Facebook and other social media illegal. They say the ads are being abused to falsely represent their positions on issues.

Sen. Todd Kaminsky, a Long Island Democrat, said there’s been a lot of publicity about Russian operatives using Facebook and other social media to influence the 2016 presidential race. But he said it’s also happening in New York races, and it needs to stop.

“It’s undermining our democracy,” Kaminsky said.

Kaminsky said he’s been the target of some of the ads, including one that said he was responsible for his home district of Long Beach losing $3 million in school aid, when in fact the opposite occurred and the school district gained money.

He said someone appears to be closely monitoring the sites and erasing any comments that try to correct the false information.

“It’s very scary, it’s very insidious,” he said.

Assemblyman James Skoufis of the Hudson Valley also has been the target of anonymous ads since late 2015. He said the ads often have innocuous-sounding names, like My Hudson Valley, Not Our Tax Dollars and I Love Bear Mountain. But he said they exist for a darker purpose — to spread what he said is “malicious and false” information.

Skoufis said he’s tried filing complaints with the state Board of Elections, which is investigating. But he said none of the anonymous groups have registered with the Board of Elections, so the probe is limited.

Kaminsky and other lawmakers would like to impose the same disclosure requirements that exist for television ads on Facebook ads. On broadcast stations, political advertisements must clearly disclose who paid for the ads.

He said Facebook and other social media are the modern equivalent of TV and newspapers, and the ads should be subject to the same rules.

“Just let us know where these ads are coming from,” Kaminsky said.

The lawmakers said they believe Facebook and other companies know who paid for the ads, so it would not be that big a step to require the disclosure.

The measure also would cover political mailings, which also do not have to disclose sponsorship.

Kaminsky and other Democrats in the Senate say it’s particularly important that the loophole in the law be closed this year, when the 2018 races for control of the state Senate will be hotly contested.

The lawmakers recently got some support from Gov. Andrew Cuomo, who proposed similar legislation in his state budget plan.

Republicans, who hold the majority in the state Senate, have not yet signed on to the bill.

Recent Posts

ROCHESTER, NY (WXXI) - Volunteers from the American Red Cross are operating several shelters for residents affected by the ongoing flooding in the Finger Lakes. "Where individuals can take refuge, take shelter and get out of the high water, and we'll see what happens when the next round of rain comes through," said Brian McConnell, Executive Director of the Finger Lakes Chapter.

ITHACA, NY (WSKG) -- The attorney for the Town of Root says the town board should formally review recent actions by the town clerk. Robert Subik's comments come after the clerk refused to issue a marriage license to a gay couple.

ROCHESTER, NY (WXXI)- Parents, business leaders and local clergy came together Monday afternoon to call on the state to ensure all students have access to critical courses in high school. A new report from the New York Equity Coalition shows that many black and Latino students don’t have the same access to high level and advanced placement courses as their white peers.

ROCHESTER, NY (WXXI) - Heavy rains are causing problems in parts of the Finger Lakes on Tuesday morning. Some of the heaviest rain and worst flood appears to be in Seneca County. The Seneca County Sheriff’s dept.

WSKG uses cookies and other tracking technologies to enhance your browsing experience. If you continue to use our site, you agree to the use of such cookies. For more info, see our privacy policy.OKPrivacy Policy